Empowering Lives and Promoting Rights for Inclusive & Resilient Development

Annual Report- 2015

Annual Report 2015 1 Published by copyright@2015 Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Centre (KIRDARC)

Photographs: KIRDARC

Design & Print: Bee-Line Communications-4468355

2 Annual Report 2015 Message from the Chairperson

I am pleased to present Annual Report 2015 for Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Centre (KIRDARC). This report provides a summary of the overall activities carried out by KIRDARC, its achievements and finance for the period of July 2014 –July 2015. For more than 15 years, KIRDARC has been driven by a passion for developing the capacity of poor and marginalized people protecting and promoting their rights for inclusive and equitable development. KIRDARC is one of the pioneer leading non-governmental organizations, working in remote parts of the Nepal focusing Karnali region. Given the broader political change and continuous shift in the development paradigm,both inside and outside the country, KIRDARC has reviewed, re-framed and refined its strategy periodically as deemed. KIRDARC Nepal has experiences of working together with different organizations since long on Climate Change, Disaster Risk Reduction; Food Security, Democracy, Human Rights, Governance, Inclusion, Education &Community Empowerment; Livelihood, Resource Management and Basic Services; Plural Media Development &Freedom of Expression; Research and Policy Advocacy; and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. The report is an outcome of wide range of interactions, review and reflections of the progress, issues and challenges faced in the course of implementing the project at all levels including regular thematic support, monitoring and documentation at different level. The year 2015 had been an example of individual and collective changes that inspire KIRDARC to do more. Throughout the year, KIRDARC implemented several development projects under Wash, Livelihood, Education, CCA & DRR and Gender and Social Inclusion. KIRDARC expanded its working area to central region in Sindhupalchok, Kavre and Lalitpur districts after the devastating earthquake on April. I would like to place on record our appreciation for the consistent support we have received from government,donors, development partners, and network organizations, community organizations .Moreover KIRDARC is immensely grateful to hard-working employees for their generosity, commitment and continuous support.

I am hopeful that this Annual report will be a useful document for all development partners and agencies to gain better understanding of KIRDARC and we look forward to another exciting year ahead. As always, we look forward to your feedback, comments and critiques.

Thank you. Ran Lal Kulal Chairperson KIRDARC Nepal

Annual Report 2015 1 Contents

Human Rights and Social Protection 4 Democracy Governance and Social Inclusion 6 Livelihood and Living Conditions 11 Institutional Capacity Building of Kirdarc 17 Karnali Kachahari : Dialouge for Change 18 Rara Conference: Stepping Stone on Mountain Climate Change Agenda 19 Emergency Response 20 KIRDARC Emergency Support at Earthquake affected Areas 21 Major Achievements 22 Challenges 22 Audit Report/Financial Summary 23 List of Projects in 2015 25

2 AnnualAnnual ReportReport 20152015 OUTCOME AAREAREA

HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL PROTECTION DEMOCRACY GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL INCLUSION LIVELIHOODS AND LIVING CONDITION INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING OF KIRDARC EMERGENCY RESPONSE

WORKING AAREAREA

KIRDARC's Presence Across Nepal

Country Office

KIRDARC's Offices KTM Strategic Presence B

Project Based Presence Lalitpur EQ Emergency Response-RRR

It has been working with 700 CBOs, 15 local NGOs, 7 networks, 70 Schools, 150 Government mechanisms thematic committees, reaching to 280, 000 people across Nepal

AnnualAnnual ReportReport 20120155 3 Outcome -1 HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL PROTECTION

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4 Annual Report 2015 Major Achievements

Total 1989 adolescent’s girls are organized in Animator Association for Social Action (ASSA) Network. They are practicing the local democratic practice and are engaged in campaigns on social issues, including Dalit and women rights protection, child marriage, dowry, trafficking, exploitation, discrimination, and other forms of violence and ill practices.

Regular campaign on government accountability had ensured the human rights and social protection. The service delivery of government mechanism is improved in remote VDCs of Kapilbastu district. 55 people registered birth, 42 people registered marriage, 21 people get their disability card, 14 people get their citizenship certificate. 628 people were actively participated on planning meeting and were able to allocate the budget at VDC level for income generation activities.

Increased birth registration in Kalikot, 1574 child was registered within 35 days among 2776. Those registered children received child grant (200 Rs per month) which is the biggest social protection scheme in Karnali.

Community and parents and local stakeholders aware and engaged for ensuring quality education. 4 VDCs of Kalikot were declared as Compulsory and Basic education free VDC declaration meeting all the indicators of government. Similarly 3 VDCs were declared as 100 percent literate VDC.

Improved education wastage indicators in working schools in Kalikoti.e increased learning achievement of basic education by 53 percent, increased survival rate in basic education by 66 percent and NER by 97 percent.

Two Community Radios, NayaKarnali, Karnali expanded its outreach and promoted the voice of the voiceless on 5 districts ( , Mugu, Kalikot, Dailekh and Achham) reaching nearly 0.3 million population).

People were aware and sensitized on sanitation, human rights and social security, child protection, gender and social inclusion, Climate Change and DRR, environment protection, public services, good governance, livelihood and income generation through different radio programs.

Annual Report 2015 5 Outcome -2 DEMOCRACY GOVERNANCE AND SOCIAL INCLUSION

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6 Annual Report 2015 Major Achievements

KIRDARC organizational policies are updated with GESI responsive, and published GESI handbook and training manuals (Gender Equality and Social Inclusion, Rights-based Approach, and Local Governance and Community Development Program) as guideline for entire project staff and organization.

Increased women participation in VDC council meeting and increased their concern in local planning process. They were able to get women grant and other social security allowances, regular vital registration, providing disability identity cards and allowance, and address for women issues and receive matching fund from VDC for women empowerment projects (community building for women; campaign against Chhaupadi practice, child marriage, polygamy, Jari practice, polygamy, women reproductive health, family planning ) and lead social dialogue and campaigns.

Multi-stakeholder platform on forest established and functioned at 2 districts and 6 VDCs, of Jumla and Kalikot districts.Agriculture Environment Forest committee (AEFC) and District Forest Sector coordination committee (DFSCC) empowered and capacitated to address the issues of forest management and governance in local level.

Good Governance is institutionalized in Jumla and , the process of annual social audit in CFUGs started, Operational plan of CFUGs updated annually and renew timely in Kalikot & .

Enhanced level of awareness among district level stakeholders, media, political parties and sense of local ownership on forest is created.

Annual Report 2015 7 CASE 1- From a Rebel to a Social Work Bhaura’s village and organised a meeting to run a literacy class. Initially, Bhaura was reluctant to join. Many people did not believe the project staff because many projects had mushroomed and disappeared in the past. She thought that her mother-in-law would not allow as she had a child in her lap. However, about two weeks later, after her friends in the village persuaded her, Bhaura joined the evening literacy class without her mother-in-law’s consent while her husband was away in India for work. She took her infant with her in the class and started learning ka-kha- Bhaura Baniya, 24, was born in Bratu village of ga(Devnagari alphabets) in a congested, poorly 2 remote Shrikot Village Development Committee lit room. The classmates decided to form the Rara (VDC) of now lives with her husband Women Development Advocacy Group (RWDAG), 3 in the remote village of Murma about four hours but again she was not much interested to be part of uphill walk from , the headquarter of it. Bhaura performed best in the class and was of Mugu district. Bhaura’s childhood was not unanimously nominated for the post of secretary pleasant to remember because her mother of RWDAG. She attended three residential eloped with another man after early death of her trainings organized by the project in the village. younger brother because of abusive behaviour of her father. Bhaura grew up with her stepmother, The activities they performed through WDAG who was always negative, abusive, and violent were literacy class, sanitation in the community, towards her. She never get the love and affection including convincing people to construct toilets, of a mother from a tender age. Because of all repairing of ghatta(water mill), water source these pain and loneliness, Bhaura joined the maintenance, and abolition of chhui(menstrual 4 Maoist movement and served as a singer and pollution). The group also lobbied against social full-time political worker for six years. After evils such as untouchability, violence against the war was over, Bhaura was lucky to meet women, child marriage, alcoholism, and gambling Shivachan, with whom she married. However, her that was rampant in the community. They started life is not easy even now. In Bhaura’s agrarian to save 20 rupees per month and now have Rs. family, a crop, mostly wheat, takes about a year 13,000 in total savings. They also collected Rs. to ripen. Scanty barley, beans, and potatoes are 25,000 from the VDC treasury. produced; her farmland is small, about 4 hals (about 1,017 square metres) of bari (dry upland) Since Bhaura joined the project, many things which produces food hardly enough for four have changed in the community. The women months, and also the land is steeped at about 35 think it is better that their husbands are coming to degrees, without proper terraces. Bhaura’s family listen to them. They have stopped gambling and scavenges herbs for additional income. drinking in public places. They possess a certain amount of money from the project-related work. Bhaura never went to school, but was happy In the past, Bhaura’s mobility was restricted to that she learned reading and writing with the the village. Now her movement has increased help of ‘I Have a Voice’ project. One day in 2011, to the district headquarters and the office of didis(elder sisters) from the project arrived in the District Development Committee (DDC) she

1 The lowest administrative unit of Government of Nepal 2 Murma, about 3,100 meters above the sea level, is a west-faced, steep small village comprising 68 clustered households beneath the Murma Top (Murma Palace) of Takure kings (kings belonging to the peak areas on the other side of Lake Rara, the biggest and one of the most beautiful lakes of Nepal). Murma is believed to have been the garden and pleasure-seeking place of the then kings. 3 A man who lives with his in-laws and inherits their property. 4 Maoist movement was an armed conflict ignited by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) from 1996 to 2006 against the monarchy and feudal society, claiming more than 18,000 lives, which ultimately overthrew the monarchy and re-established democracy in Nepal.

8 Annual Report 2015 feels dignified that she can spend her earnings law shouts she replies back with a bigger voice. as required. Under her leadership, chhui has been Because Bhaura speaks back, her mother-in-law reduced from 7 days to 3 days. She led the village is still skeptical about women leadership. The Deuda team of 3 members and her group came mother-in-law thinks that it is because of the first, with the cash prize of Rs. 10,000, half of literacy class. Bhaura knows hakims (big shots) which was kept in the bank account and the other at Gumgadi. Also, Bhaura has changed things in half spent on proposal development for Himali terms of division of work at home; she advises Group for setting up a museum with a sales outlet her husband to work together in the field and he of local products. Women in the group have does. Bhaura wants to educate her daughter but started to keep some money in their possession, is not sure whether she will be able. from which they can buy clothes, food, stationery and medicines for their children. After talking to Bhaura, it seems that they have created a space to strengthen the condition and While asked about the negative effects of the position of women in the community. The triple project on household and community. Her gender roles are changing: men and women are mother-in-law said that Bhaura would leave her sharing household chores, are working in the field 3-year-old kid at home when going to Gumgadhi. together equally, and are attending community Her husband remarked that all was well. Then, meetings. People of the most marginalized the mother in-law reacted: ‘Yi joipoi ekbhaigaya’ groups are being trained, and they are on the (The husband and wife are united). Her mother- path of improvement. Most importantly, Bhaura, in-law reluctantly accepted Bhaura’s success: being a rebel in the past, has a safe and stable ‘Aru ta thikaichhamukhalebhaigai’ (All is well but life, a lovely daughter, and a supportive husband. she retorts a lot). It means that if her mother-in-

CASE II - A Second Life

Dhauli never went to school in her maternal home, joined the literacy class at the inspiration of her group members and her husband. ‘Jharo balera pani padhyau, Mukhama torch balera pani padhyau’ (We studied by firing the pine twigs, and also hanging torch in the mouth’), says Dhauli. The classes ran in the morning during leisure seasons and in the evening during busy seasons after all household chores were over. They studied by sprinkling water over their faces to keep them from falling asleep after a long day’s work. ‘I feel Dhauli Nepali was born in Neher village of Fotu proud of joining the class, and I know the value of VDC one of the most remote villages of Mugu paper and pen now,’ she says. district. She was born as a second child among 4 Dhauli joined the Sundar Women Development siblings, with 2 elder and a younger brother. She Advocacy Group (SWDAG) and actively participate married to Gyansing Nepali, an educated fellow in the group activities such as paying membership who had studied up to grade 12of Jaira, Humla. The fees, taking part in rallies and community Nepali family holds a small patch of land (1 hal), activities, and cleaning and maintaining peace in which produces food only for four months. Jaira is the community. Monthly saving is Rs. 100, and one of the remotest village of Mugu, and reaching the total amount accumulated is about Rs. 16,500 the village is challenging because of steep ascends to date. The group has been able to set up the and descends via narrow footpaths from 1,000 rules of the game in the village, in areas such metres to 3000 meters above the seal level. as Chhui, gambling, and drinking. They fine Rs.

Annual Report 2015 9 husband looks after household chores, including cooking, washing, and sending children to school. Dhauli clarifies the position of women in society as: Chhora chhori kuna, Buhari dhoka (Sons and daughters at the corner, daughter-in-laws at the door). This is an old saying, meaning that while sons and daughters stay at a safer place and can rest, daughters-in-law stay at a risky place with frequent demands of work. Dhauli explains son preference with the example of her own family. She remembers when her mother delivered her brothers, her mother was loved and cared by all. Unlike other participants, Dhauli had travelled to many places within the district during the course 600, Rs. 200, and Rs. 500 for grazing ox, goat, of Maoist movement because the rebels forcefully and cows in crop fields, respectively. The group took the villagers in the rallies, processions, and has made toilets construction mandatory to all war. She visited Galba, Rahulbang, Jima, Sorukot, families in the community. , Furmuru, and Kolti during this period. She has been to Simkot for citizenship certificate Before she joined the class, it was difficult for her and Nepalgunj once for treatment. to face males because nobody wanted to talk to a woman. ‘We were shy, scared, and camouflaged When I asked about sustainability of the work under the scarf. People used to say what kind of they have been doing, she just said ‘Bato ko woman this was. How dare she show her face in bikas garne’ (Improve the already built roads of front of men? A shameless lady!’ People used to the development). She assured that they will call women. Now things have changed so that ‘we continue to work together. can speak up, put voices on the fore, and argue on relevant subjects’, Dhauli asserts. She emotionally It is amazing to note that illiterate women like puts her message as below: Dharkotanchhau, Dhauli have insights to develop her community. Dharkobat ajiwantan dobhaya (We draw lines, She well understands the situation and analyses and from the lines.... we draw life) the root causes of discrimination prevailing in the community. ‘So many things have changed since then,’ she remarked. In the community, Chhuihas been almost abolished and untouchability does not exist anymore. Drinking and gambling have been stopped: at least people do not do it publicly or in front of women. SWDAG has been playing a mediating role in ascertaining the rights of the women, children, and elderly people. They advocated against polygamy in the village: in one polygamy case due to their advocacy each month a husband needs to deposit half of his salary to the account of his first wife. At home, things have been changing compared to the past. In those days, ‘when even brothers were not allowed to study, how could we study?’ asks Dhauli. ‘Such was the society then.’ Both her husband and Dhauli share work equally if she goes to field her

10 Annual Report 2015 Outcome -3 Livelihood and Living Conditions

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Annual Report 2015 11 Major Achievements

Basic sanitation access reached 25500 HHs and 845 HHs received water supply in 6 working district (Humla,Jumla, Mugu,Dolpa, Kalikot and Surkhet)during 2015. Kalikot and Jumla stepped towards total sanitation campaign with 12450 population access on improved sanitation

The government recognized the indigenous knowledge and traditional practices in sanitation in High mountain VDCs of Dolpa and Humla (Limi and , Vijer) and this practice could be replicated as a model on other mountain VDCs to meet the target of government declaring 100 percent ODF till 2017.

Government focused/District Water supply and sanitation office established and functionalized Post Construction Support Unit (PCS) especially for the functionality that is looking back the already constructed water schemes and making plan to reoperate.

30 un-functional water schemes were improved with minor support and functionalized which PCS provided improved and safe drinking water 11,723 (Eleven Thousand Seven Hundred and Twenty Three Only) in Dolpa, Jumla and Kalikot district.

Total 1806 Self Help Group Members are benefitted from Income Generating Activities ( off farm and on farm i.e Goat rearing, Poultry, Group Fish farming, vegetable farming, Pig farming, tailoring, hair cutting, laundry, Carpenter, sewing and cutting etc) in Surkhet and Kapilbastu district and similarly, monthly saving and credit activities is also being promoted .

KIRDARC has increased their institutional capacity to mainstream Disaster Risk Reduction into their projects portfolio and to advocate for it at local and national level. ADCR (a loose network) was linked with the National level Youth network to advocate local level DRR issues at national level. Village and District Development Committees of Kalikot mainstreamed standard CBDP model into their annual development plan and allocated budget

A practical Mountain friendly LDRMP was developed and implemented, that supported the wider participation of communities and provide easy out for the preparation & implementation of the plan. KIRDARC supported on developing LDRMCs and CBDRMC at district and local level in its working districts. institutionalised 3 LDRMCs and 10 CBDRMC in their DRR planning process to conduct DRR activities at VDC and District level

20 schools from six VDCs of kalikot districts produced school disaster management plan and they mainstreamed their agendas in local development planning process through LDMC.

Climate change monitoring Dairy is developed and started to collect information monthly on Humla, Mugu and Kalikot to monitor the impacts of climate change.

12 Annual Report 2015 CASE III - Women Commencement for Disaster Risk

Thirpu VDC is about 17 kilometers far from groups of the society during the planning the headquarter , Kalikot. Brahmin, process. Therefore, the existing LDMC was Chhetri, dalit the major ethnic groups living reformed and revitalized with inclusive in the area. Major occupation of those approach in 2013. LDMC members were people is livestock rearing and farming. provided capacity building training on Women have been spending most of the Community Based Disaster Risk Management time in domestic affairs, livestock rearing and Mainstreaming DRR into Development and farming activities. Community people, that created a space to excluded & vulnerable students, people with disabilities, along groups like Dalit, women and people with with women had to cross Nahare river Disability to raise their voices and concerns. taking cattle for grazing, going school, job The project facilitated LDMC to develop Local and farming. Moreover, during monsoon Disaster Risk Management Plan (LDRMP). season, they had to face problem to cross This facilitated them to identify risks of their river due to heavy flood though the bridge community. The prominent issue shared by was under construction since 2010. People women was the use of incomplete bridge had no option to use the same bridge. Satya has increased the risk. The issue was shared Devi Bam, age 17 lost her life while going to among the local government, too, as per school passing through the river and Danta LDRMP plan. These issues were raised Bam, age 27, person with disability was also strongly in the forum in monthly meeting swiped away by the river in the in 2013. of LDMC and LDMC put pressure to complete the construction process as a result bridge In this scenario, CBDRR project focused on was constructed. mainstreaming disaster into development interventions and inclusion of vulnerable

Annual Report 2015 13 CASE IV - Malati as a Change Actor

Malati is an 18 years old school going girl, studying in class 10 in Kalika Secondary School, of Jumla district.Malati not only goes to school rather she works in field, cooks food for family and collect water in normal days. But, her family has superstitious belief that if women/ girls enters inside the home and touch anything at the time of menstruation, God will get angry and bothers them so they never allow Malati to enter inside the home and touch anything. Not only this, they forbid her from going school in 4 days in each month believing that, menstruate girls should not touch books because goddess Similarly, she said that, “most of the menstruation Saraswati got angry. related issues like personal hygiene, food taboos, and social exclusion during menstruation have been clarified after menstruation hygiene Malati said, “During menstruation period, management training conducted by KIRDARC I always hesitate going to school due to lack Nepal with financial support from Water Aid of adolescent friendly environment in school. Nepal. It was very beneficial and helpful for There is a myth of strictly restriction of touching maintaining the menstruation period hygienically and studying books by menstruating girls in which will keep healthily throughout my life. I our community. So I lost my study time during have been aware that different nutritious food menstruation period. Consequently I was is necessary during menstruation period. Due unsuccessful in class 6 examination due to to food taboos, and other myths, superstitions absent in class for 4 days for each month during related to menstruation which are prevalent in menstruation period. most of our society and which are also deeply rooted in our mind, had created barriers in In our society, no any lady of menstruating period establishing the healthful and civilized society. I should take any dairy products like Ghee, curd, became aware that the menstruating is normal milk and I always missed such product during process and each and every female have to be. menstruation period. I don’t know of using pads I am also unaware and have no idea of using during menstruation, which made me untidy, self sanitary pad and I always used unhygienic piece guilty, most of the clothes became red spotted of cloth during menstruation period consequently during menstruation. I had been victim of scabies infestation, itching symptoms in lower (genital) part, urine burning I used to sleep in animal shed during each (might be urinary tract infection).Now this MHM menstruation period. Most of my menstruation training provided me helpful knowledge and skills period I usually suffered from limb swelling, to make sanitary pads which leads women and lower abdominal pain, and sometime fainting girls of menstruating period to stay clean and attack. I always remain isolated in animal shed healthy. Today I am more confident and feel no during every menstruation period. One day two any hesitation during menstruation period which boys were trying to enter in animal shed at night leads me to attend classes regularly in school time; they started mocking me,I was so nervous nowadays.” and terrified at that situation. Immediately I shouted to my younger sister and they ran away After getting training on menstruation hygiene soon after my sister arrived. I have faced such management, gaining knowledge, idea on type of terrible and harassing situation in most of Menstruation as the natural cycle, it has nothing my menstruation period.” to do with any other bad thing and, she not only

14 Annual Report 2015 convinced her family rather community people. present during her menstrual days also. She does Now, in her community, they used to listen to her not miss her classes and during her free time, interestingly and she always trying to do more she plays with her friends, takes part in extra- clarification on myths, superstition regarding curricular activities. menstruation. They became more positive towards her and they are trying to bring expected Like Malati, many other girls of her school who healthful behaviors like providing nutritious food, have reached their puberty, do not hesitate to maintaining personal hygiene and discouraging come to school during these days. animal shed for sleeping during menstruation.

Today, Malati is a happy girl. She is a regular in school and is excelling in her studies. She remains

CASE V - “PURUS BINA PANI KHANA ROKINNA” Kusha Shahi a female resident of Badki-1 Jumla. For the achievement of the planned objective She has 5 members in her family. She is 30 years KIRDARC Nepal has Organized 5 days Pre- of old and she had only primary level of education. Construction Training along with other different She is always busy in her household activities and activities to the persons who are self-motivating, agriculture activities for her family survival. She is capable, and time managing for social work, also the prominent women in Badki VDC. She is especially who could work as a care taker for the contributing her efforts in social activities for her sustainability operation of water supply system. community people. In this context some of the issues raised in the community, she told that“I was so disappointed KIRDARC Nepal implementing the Badki Water that some of the people of Badki underestimated Supply System with the financial support of my capacity, motives towards my community. WaterAid Nepal, to provide sustainable inclusive They told me that you can not do such type easy access of drinking water, ensuring the of works and keep busy with your household sanitary environment by means of mobilization activities. I have also complained to KIRDARC for the safe disposal of feces and urine, ultimately Nepal staffs in this issue of gender biasness.” will improve the overall health status of respective community people. As per the KIRDARC Nepal values of social inclusion, gender equity and justice for all, the

Annual Report 2015 15 Due to the result all the women raise single voice to appoint female as care taker for the regular operation of water so then, they might not worry about the discontinuity in absence of trained male in winter. But some of the male has raised the challenge that, how could a woman work like man and who will be ready for the job, but, brave Kusha has answered by raising her had to work as care taker promising to work more effectively than any male before. As after appointing as a discussion was held within VWASH CC members care taker, she said that, “ I am happy to be of Badki and other local people. Most of the male selected as a Care Taker carrying belief of numbers goes to India and other location in search of Job in of women challenging against male domain and winter and village almost became empty in terms counter challenged that ‘’ PURUS BINA PANI of youth male. There remains no any trained male KHANA ROKINNA.” for regular operation – maintenance of water supply system. CASE VI - Saved fromearly child marriage died 8 years ago and being a single women; I am caring all my children with great difficulties. It’s really hard to manage the expenses on food, their study and other expenditure. Thus, I am compelled to decide for the marriage of my 13 years old daughter, Laxmi Dhobi.

The dialogue center operating in her locality changed Ms, Dhobi mind when the issue of early child marriage was discussed. She explained “I hadn’t noticedthe long term impacts of child marriage. I was speechless when we all the participants interacted and discussed the many harmful causes and effects of early child marriage .Then, I realized among 25 participants of dialogue center that child marriage is a crime .In addition, she further said I talked to the bride on potential harmful effects and punishment by laws on child marriage thus, I decided to withdraw the decision of my daughter marriage till she become 20. I will support her study as much as she wants; for that I Bimala Dhobi, 32 lives with her 2 sons and 2 twins’ will work and struggle hard. daughter in a Sanusikutawa of Kapilvastu district. She is one of the participants of Dialogue center Ms Dhobi is just one of the cases that the project (REFLECT) run by joint partnership of KIRDARC- able to stop the early child marriage through Nepal and Stromme foundation. its realization and internalization REFLECT led process. But there are number of such cases that The mother of four children has no other income have not been raised due to many factors where source besides an income generate from small plot the project needs to be addressed. of land and daily wages. She said “my husband

16 Annual Report 2015 Outcome -4 INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY BUILDING OF KIRDARC

Annual Report 2015 17 Karnali Kachahari : Dialouge for Change Karnali Kachahari is a plat form for discourse, starting development and linkage to quick returning IGAs to from policy makers, practitioners and users together NTFPs ultra poor cultivator will obliviously support NTFP with enthusiasts from the wider spectrum: development trade and business development in Karnali. The royalty workers, researchers, intellectuals, social leaders, rates established for NTFPs/MAPs are inappropriate academicians, students, media, tourists and those who and irrational. have cultural connections with the region in order to seek common solution of the problems/issues and Similarly,With financial support of Multi Stakeholders agendas with collective effort. This platform creates a Forestry Programme (MSFP) Kachahari was jointly forum to streamline the voices of Karnali people and organised by KIRDARC and AFFON on 13th July 2015 to continue dialogue at the national and international in Kathmandu to discuss on issues and challenges levels. It is a consortium of CSOS working in Karnali of forest governance and the existing policies with region. KIRDARC Nepal is hosting the secretariat since different stakeholders. Before organising the National December, 2009. Karnali Kachahari is one of the major Level KK, Local level and district level KK were means to contribute in achieving the strategic objectives organised at Jumla and Kalikot district with local, of KIRDARC Nepal“Advocacy and Campaign launched at cluster and district levels covering wider range of all levels to establish economic, social and cultural rights participation of CFUGs, local stakeholders, AEFC, DFSCC as fundamental entitlements and to promote people’s and District forest .The overall objective of the KK was access to basic services”. to share the findings of the local and district level KK, to discuss widely among multi- stakeholders and to Aiming to influence top level policy makers, identify issues and challenges of Forest Governance for encourage the national level activists and CSOs on the poor. Around 50 participants covering wide range holistic development of Karnali through sustainable of stakeholders including Federation of Community management of natural resources particularly NTFPs Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN), Community Based production, trade and business development, national Forestry Supporters Network (COFSUN) policy makers, level. The national Level Karnali Kachahari has been NRM confederations, CA Members, Media personnel, conducted in collaboration will FECOFUN and Ministry of government line agencies and different agencies Forest and Soil Conservation and close coordination with working on the forest sector actively participated in the project implementing partners. The overall objective event. The KK concluded. was to promote rights and fair development through inclusive economic growth and strengthen multi- Thaat is tremendous pressure in forest resource stakeholders dialogue on forest based economy for like illicit felling and encroachment. Good forest mountain people. governance is necessary to reduce the pressure on forest and sustainable supply of forest resource to Around 150 participants covering wide range of district support the life of rural people. Active management and national levels take holders including Ministry of and commercialisation of forest is possible only from Forest and Soil Conservation (MOFSC), Federation of good forest sector governance. Community Forestry Users Nepal (FECOFUN), Policy makers, CA Members, Media personnel, Government Forest governance should be poor friendly. Good forest line agencies and district level stakeholders Karnali governance is attained through better co-ordination Jadibuti Traders Network, District Forest Office, CFUGs among different levels (local, regional and national). and national level NGOs and the forest sector actively Though there are institutional frameworks, there is participated in the event. The Kachahari concluded that no real space as different layers do not have equal Mountain forests of Nepal are unique and important power. The major challenges of forest governance are in terms of biodiversity and other ecosystem services differential access, low productivity and sustainability. .Karnali is very rich in high value NTFPs including Forest related Policies and laws are not well defined. medicinal and aromatic plants that have good market Policy/decision makers are within a confined cocoon potential. For the sustainable management of the and the peripheral layers are not being able to influence community forest and livelihood improvement of them. Misconducts among the policy facilitators are a poor and forest-dependent communities there is need great challenge. Capacitating the available resources is of income diversification especially from NTFPs. The the major issue. Similarly lack of coordination among focus on processing of NTFPs at local level, market different stakeholders is leaving the issues unaddressed value chain, and lead firm to lead the industry, to meet the expectations. Capitalisation of the NTFP external support to marginalized groups for inclusive sources is lagging.

18 Annual Report 2015 RARA CONFERENCE: Stepping Stone on Mountain Climate Change Agenda

Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment The conference was held just before COP 20 in Peru (MOSTE) and KIRDARC organized a Nationalconference Lima to show how lives and livelihoods of mountain on Climate Change and Environmental Threats: people are affected by climate change.It is the biggest Protecting Lives and Livelihoods of Mountain People in government and civil society mountain initiative, Nepal at 30-31 October 2014, at Rara, Mugu attracting provided a common platform to deliberate mountain wide range of public - civil society, political leaders, issues and to arrive at a common solution to resolve local communities, indigenous people, women, dalit, the needs and concerns of the mountain regions with development practitioners, researchers, media, the meaningful participation of mountain communities. private sector , national and international agencies, The Conference came up with RARA Declaration to governmental and non-governmental organizations start Mountain Agenda momentum in Nepal through and development partners aiming at developing effective engagement of civil society in a coordinated national momentum on Mountain Agenda in the approach and eventually enhancing visibility of context of changing climate. KIRDARC organized mountain issues in the global processes, thus enabling this conference to share the knowledge, understand better life and livelihood of mountain people in impacts of climate change and responses developed harmony with nature. and associated adverse effects in bio-cultural diversity and livelihood of mountain people to develop a common mountain action with existing challenges and opportunities as the basis for future actions

Annual Report 2015 19 Outcome -5 Emergency Response

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H S April Earthquake emergency response and flood response at Surkhet

20 Annual Report 2015 KIRDARC Emergency Support at Earthquake affected Areas On 25 April a 7.8 magnitude earthquake struck After providing relief support materials KIRDARC Nepal with the epicentre located at Barpak, Gorkha Nepal is now heavily engaged in Post-quake district. The earthquake severely impacted 14 out recovery process. In this scenario, it reached of the 75 districts in the country, left over 8,000 few more districts such as, Rasuwa, Lalitpur and people dead and destroyed over 480,000 houses. Kathmandu &Kavre and focusing our work on On 12 May, another earthquake measuring Protection, and Education. 7.3 in magnitude struck in Dolakha District. The earthquake caused additional buildings to Mobile Child friendly space was conducted at Kavre collapse. Some 150 people were killed and many and Sindhupalchok Districts in order to manage others injured as a result. Aftershocks continue to mental stress, anxiety, and trauma and prepare be felt across the country further increasing the them for normal day to day life. Temporary trauma amongst those affected. Learning Shelters are constructed at Kathmandu and Lalitpur districts as per the government-set KIRDARC Nepal is working in emergency relief standard at a community schools damaged due support since long. KIRDARC provided emergency to the Earthquake has been handed over to the support to flood victims of Kalikot district on schools. 2013. Similarly it also supported to flood affected people of Surkhet district during 2014. KIRDARC The team coordinated with DDRC & Cluster and Nepal mobilized the emergency response team discussed to finalize affected area to distribute to address the emergency situation. Urgently relief support as per the respective cluster plan after the quake relief support were provided and priority of the earthquake affected area on Sindhupalchok, Kavre, Dhading and Lalitpur for effective distribution of the relief material. districts with support of different organisations Team coordinated with education, protection such as TDH, WaterAid, Stromme Foundation, and WASH cluster in respective districts. Several UNICEF, Restless development etc. KIRDARC rounds of meetings were conducted with them provided relief support materials to more than and highly affected schools were identified. For 5000 HHs in Kavre and Sindhupalchok Districts community mobilization team coordinated with including Food (also focused child and Lactating School Management Committee (SMC), Parents women), Shelter and Nonfood items, WASH Items and Teachers Association (PTA). Well experienced (Hygiene Kits, Water Tanks). engineers were deployed in respective districts for TLC construction.

Annual Report 2015 21 Major Achievements

After the devastating Earthquake KIRDARC expanded its working area at central region of Nepal (Kavre, Sindhupalchok, Lalitpur and Kathmandu) based on its past working experience on disaster at Karnali region.

KIRDARC built alliance and networks with different organizations and became members of different networks such as climate Action Network South Asia (CANSA),http://www.cansouthasia.net/ andHumanitarian Accountability Monitoring Initiatives(HAMI) www.hami.org.np

To advocate on Mountain agendas and Issues Mountain concern group Nepalese Civil society Mountain Initiative (NCSMI) was formed and KIRDARC Nepal hosts its secretariat.

Executive Director of KIRDARC Mr. Min Bahadur Shahi is elected as a deputy president of AMARC International and Convener of HAMI.

KIRDARC revised its existing policies and developed some new guidelines such as Toll free number handling guideline is developed and operationalized to strengthen the governance and accountability of the organization. MEAL approach is institutionalized and adapted in all ongoing interventions to ensure the transparency and built trust among donor and communities.

Capacity development plan was developed and Board members and management team are capacitated on institutional good governance and resource mobilization.

Challenges

Major challenges faced during the periods are as follows After the promulgation of new constitutionthe protest of unsatisfied groups in Karnali region, Surkhet and Kapilbastu.Fear of damage to physical properties and human life has been a major barrier to conduct daily operational and activities due to the political insurgence. Continued vacuum of local governing bodies is one of the major challenges effecting local level decisionmaking process.

In Dolpa and Mugu district, the airport was blocked for 3 months because of construction activities which hampered for timely implementation of project activities and halted the staff movement as air transportation is the ultimate medium of transportation in the district.

Impacts of Climate change and disasters such as unusual rainfall, snowfall and landslide highly affected theday to day life of local community and to effectively conduct the development interventions.

Regular Project management was hampered after the devastating earthquake as the team was mobilized on relief support activities on the earthquake affected districts.

It was hard to meet the strategic target of the year in Karnali as the resource is diverted after the April earthquake.

22 Annual Report 2015 Audit Report/Financial Summary Financial Outlook General Administration Division employs the KIRDARC has a well-established finance and internal financial controls of the organisation, audit system. The accounting systems are fully theexternal audit of the financial matters is done computerised. KIRDARC applies FAMAS software by the authorised independent audit firms to systematically manage and keep up-to- (Chartered Accountants) duly appointed by the date all the documents related to finance and Annual General Meeting of the organisation. The procurement. While the KIRDARC Finance and financial statements of the year are given below:

Annual Report 2015 23 24 Annual Report 2015 List of Projects in 2015

S.N Name of Components/ Funding District Reach Annual VDCs Project Outcomes Area Partner Budget 1 Social Outcome area 3: PAF Mugu 3745 people 1447642.37 5 Mobilisation Livelihoods and program Living Condition through poverty alleviation 2 FRWSS-14 Outcome area 3: SNV Kalikot, Jumla, 845 HHs 8216148.55 15 Functionality Livelihoods and Dolpa of Rural Water Living Condition Supply Services (FRWSS) 3 SSH4A-15 Outcome area 3: SNV/DFID/ Jumla, Humla, 15500 HHs 5508179.98 39 Sustaining Livelihoods and DFAT Mugu, Kalikot and Improved WASH Living Condition Dolpa Services in Karnali 4 Girls Scholarship Outcome area 1: Ncell 5 districts of 5 girls 180000 program Human Rights and Karnali Social Protection

5 Samvad Outcome 3: Strommes Surkhet 14676063.06 12 Program Livelihoods and Foundation Living Conditions

6 SEEDS (Socio- Stromme Kapilbastu and 8 economic Outcome 3: Foundation Surkhet 2110 (580 empowerment Livelihoods and Surkhet& 1530 9205501.28 with dignity and Living Conditions Kaplibastu) sustainability)

7 Pre Vocational Outcome 1: Human World MuguKalikot 2027 2293931.63 2 Education Rights and Social Eduation Protection

8 Promoting Pro Outcome 2: MSFP Jumla&Kalikot 2000 5313224.78 6 Poor Forest Democracy, Governance in Governance and Karnali Social Inclusion 9 Girl Outcome 1: Human Restless MuguKalikot 2977 5011487.82 2 Empowerment Rights and Social evelopment Program Protection

10 Early Grading Outcome 1: Human World MuguKalikot 6292 students 5368494.31 14 Reading Project Rights and Social Education Protection

11 Integrated Outcome 3: TDH Humla 433 HHs 5605344.75 3 Child Protection Livelihoods and (WASH) Living Conditions

12 Karnali quality Outcome 1: Human SCI Kalikot 11472 11462390.75 10 education Rights and Social students (KQEP) /Child Protection Protection Project

Annual Report 2015 25 13 Integrated Outcome area 1: SCI/Norad Kalikot 108 schools 8527479.15 12 Project Human Rights and and 90 Early Social Protection Child care and development centre (ECCD) 14 AFFIRM Outcome area 3: Mission East Humla, 18 WDAGs 1622011.59 6 Livelihoods and /DMCDD MuguKalikot Living Conditions

15 I have a Voice Outcome area Mission East Humla, Mugu 18 WDAGs 7156909.42 6 2: Democracy, Governance and Social Inclusion

16 Investing in Outcome area 3: Mission East Kalikot 100 Teachers 5599941.84 5 Future : Child Livelihoods and of 50 schools led Disaster Ris Living Conditions Reduction in Karnali 17 Access to trade Outcome area 3: Mission East Humla, Mugu, 2293 people 4829983 17 and Business Livelihoods and Jumla and Social Living Conditions Inclusion (ATIS- Karnali) 18 Voicing for Outcome area Mission East 18 WDAGs,441 2160299.50 6 Equality and 2: Democracy, women Justice(VOICE) Governance and Social Inclusion

Emergency 1 Immediate TDH Kavre 600 HHs 1611541 3 Emergency Response to Earthquake 2 Meeting the TDH Kavre, 2000 HHs 4051159.50 7 immediate Sindhupalchok survival and relief needs of earthquake survivors 3 Emergency Restless Lalitpur, 121 TLCs, 41 1571397 15 Response evelopment Kathmandu and CFS in Southern Rasuwa Lalitpur and Rasuwa 4 Emergency Water Aid Kavre 400 HHs 2163117.40 2 Response to Earthquake 5 Execute the Stromme Sindhupalchok 600 HHs 1495785 3 relief support to Foundation earthquake in Sindhupalchok 6 Emergency UNICEF Surkhet 1400 HHs 2361481 12 7 Emergency Mission East Surkhet 1461 HHS 2313002 12

26 Annual Report 2015 Acronyms

ABU: Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union ACORAB: Association of Community Radio Broadcasters Nepal ADCR: A lliance for Disaster and Climate Resilience AEP: Alternative Education Programme AGM: Annual General Meeting ALA: Adaptive Livelihoods in Action, Nepal AMARC: World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters ASHA: Animators and Self-Help Associations ATIS: Access to Trade Inclusion and Social Justice CAAFAG: Children Associated with Armed Force and Group CAS: Continue Assessment System CBDRR: Community Based Disaster Risk Reduction CBO: Community Based Organization CCA: Climate Change Adaptation CEMIS: Community Education Management and Information System CFUG: Community Forest Users Group CSO: Civil Society Organization CSP : Community Support Program DDC: District Development Committee DDRC: District Disaster Response Committee DRR: Disaster Risk Reduction EC: European Commission ECD: Early Childhood Development FRWSS : Functionality in Rural Water Supply Services GESI: Gender and Social Inclusion HRDN: District Human Rights Network HRPG: Human Rights and Peace Group IGA: Income Generation Activity INGO: International Non Government Organization KIRDARC: Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Center KK: Karnali Kachahari LDMC: Local Disaster Management Committee LDRMP: Local Disaster Risk Management Plan LGCDP: Local Governance and Community Development Programme LNGO: Local Non Government Organization MP: Mountain Partnership NGO: Non Government Organization NTFP: Non-Timber Forest Product ODF: Open Defecation Free ODW: Operation Day work PAF: Poverty Alleviation Fund PATC: Project Advice and Training PCS: Post Construction Service Unit SABAL: Supporting Adolescents for Better Access to Livelihoods SHG: Self Help Group SIWIK: Sustaining Improved WASH Services in Karnali SK: Samvad Kendra SMC: School Management Committee SSH4A: Sustainable Sanitation and Hygiene for All SST: Samvad Support Team UNICEF: United Nation International Children Emergency Fund VDC: Village Development Committee WASH: Water, Sanitation and Hygiene WCF: Ward Citizen Forum WDAG: Women Development Advocacy Group WSSDO: Water Sanitation sub Division office YADC: Youth Alliance for Disaster and Climate Resilience

Annual Report 2015 27 Karnali Integrated Rural Development and Research Centre (KIRDARC) Nepal, which is an NGO established in 1999, is an initiation of youths from Karnali zone with a vision of just and prosperous society with people having access to and ownership over resources. KIRDARC Nepal’s mission is to enable Karnali people to claim and exercise their human rights, including the right against poverty and neglect by way of educating, organizing and mobilizing people themselves in actions that promote human rights; research and evidence-based policy advocacy; and just and judicious resource mobilization in the region. www.kirdarc.org

Contact: KIRDARC, Nepal Sanepa, Lalitpur, Nepal Tel: 977 1 5548321/5548040, Fax: 977 1 5549093 Email: [email protected], Website: http://www.kirdarc.org

28 Annual Report 2015